Away to Horndon (D3W Cup)

A
first cup game of the season for the Vets
was a journey to Brentwood to face Horndon, a team we had played in our pre
season winning comprehensively. Once again the importance of a large squad was
highlighted as the list of injuries grows. In fact we had just 13 players
available for this game.

Starting
with our now familiar 4-4-2 we dominated the early play and were rewarded with
an early goal. A surging run by an inspired Darren Foss down the left hand ended with fine finish and a great
solo goal 1-0. A second followed shortly afterwards with Darren Foss adding the finishing touch to a fantastic flowing move
once again down the left hand side. We were in total control going forward. The
same however could not be said about the defensive side of our game. With
players playing out of position and perhaps others getting a little excited with
the attacking part of their job and not the defensive side we were not looking
as solid as we had in our early games.A
rare Horndon attack from the right flank was originally dealt with but an
attempt to over play with the ball in the box resulted in us losing the ball
and allowing an easy tap in at the back post. 2-1. we looked to put that
disappointment behind us and some fine, quick passing football allowed ‘T’ the opportunity to give a 2 goal
cushion again with a fine finish 3-1. Back came Horndon and from a free kick
one of the smallest players on the field jumped highest virtually unchallenged
to send a looping header into the net 3-2. Having dominated play a couple of
errors had let Herndon back into the game. HT 3-2

The
half time team talk was a lively affair. Perhaps too lively!! Suffice to say
many players had strong opinions about the rights and wrongs of the first half.
Barry restored some calm and to be fair at the start of the second half we were
firmer in the tackle and it was no surprise we extended our lead with a
fantastic header from ‘T’ into the
top left corner after great work from Martin Treadway. 4-2. we continued to
push forward and ‘T’ scored his
third of the game with another accomplished finish 5-2. Horndon decided to push
extra players forward for the final 20 minutes as they had nothing to lose.
They pulled one back from a break down the right hand side finished by one of
two unmarked men in the six yard box. 5-3. Horndon continued to push forward
and added a fourth when a shot from the edge of the box was deflected past Gary
by Sean as he attempted to block the shot. 5-4. with only four minutes
remaining ‘T’ took advantage of the
gaps left at the back to make it 6-4 with his fourth of the game.

Possibly
our worst performance of the season but another win nonetheless. With so many
injuries and players playing out of position it’s perhaps not surprising. The debate
at half time had merits from both sides…individual errors and poor shape cost
us goals…we look dangerous going forward but need to remember that defending is
not just about the back four. Report
Sean Windeatt